Ah, kittens! You just can’t help falling in love with their cute faces and “mews.” Our veterinary team would be happy to answer any questions you may have about your new fluffy friend. We will help you navigate through the busy and sometimes confusing first year of kittenhood. With everything from vaccines, to behaviour issues, to food and everything in between. Our team is here to assist you with all your kitten needs and questions.
When do kittens get their first shots?
Our veterinary team recommends that kittens start their vaccine series at about 8 weeks of age. While they are nursing, the kittens will have some maternal antibodies, but once they are weaned, those antibodies start to wear off and the kitten’s immune system needs to be “reminded” to work.
How often does my kitten need vaccines?
Our veterinarians recommend kittens receive a series of 3 vaccines usually done at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age.
Does my kitten need only core vaccines?
Our veterinarians recommend all kittens receive their kitten series vaccines at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age, along with full boosters 1 year later. After this, your kitten, or cat, will be given the rabies vaccine yearly and the FVRCP vaccine will be administered every 3 years. If your cat’s lifestyle warrants the FeLV vaccine as well, then this will be administered yearly also.
Are there any risk associated with vaccines?
While most of our cat patients rarely have any side effects from their vaccines, there are the occasional ones that will pop up. Most commonly reported would be lethargy, occasionally some vomiting or diarrhea and, much more rarely, a small lump at the site the vaccine(s) was given.
